News, Mentorship Program

Artscape Mentorship Program: Celebrating a Longstanding Partnerships

Artscape Mentorship Program: Celebrating a Longstanding Partnerships

We are delighted to highlight Artscape’s enduring partnership with the National Gallery of Art (NDG) through the Artscape Mentorship Program. This initiative, implemented in partnership with the agency’s strategic partner UNHCR, showcases the power of cultural collaboration.

In 2024, participants of the Artscape Mentorship Program had the unique opportunity to engage in an internship program organized by NDG. This collaboration showcased the creative talents of three participants: Aliaksandra Tratsiakova, Valentyna Ryvlina, and Marija Frolova.

“This collaboration between Artscape and NDG serves as a shining example of how cultural institutions can not only open their doors to diverse experiences but also actively involve creators who have sought refuge in Lithuania. By providing opportunities to lead activities, explore art archives, and conduct artistic research, the program allows participants to address critical themes, create new programs, and connect with broader communities”, – says CEO and Founder of Artscape, Aistė Ulubey.

Participant Experiences

Marija Frolova participated in the Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) program, attending a course of lectures and organizing educational sessions for groups. She also contributed to the NDG Open Space program, where she conducted research on photographers connected to Ukraine, created photo reports from workshops, and documented events held at the gallery.

Valentyna Ryvlina joined the NDG Open Space program and had the opportunity to explore the museum’s storages, which house photo archives and collections of Lithuanian art from various periods. She conducted a lecture series titled “Artistic and Historical Parallels in the Art of Ukraine and Lithuania in the Twentieth Century.”

Aliaksandra Tratsiakova conducted several sculpting masterclasses for both children and adults. She worked on a series of lectures about Ferdynand Ruszczyc and plans to collaborate with Algė Andriulytė, the author of Ferdynand Ruszczyc – Civis Vilnesis Sum. Her work also included artistic research, visits to the picture and photography storages, and leading creative clay workshops for schoolchildren at NDG.

Additionally, mentorship participant Daniil Perchak contributed by leading educational sessions in conjunction with the ongoing exhibition David Goldblatt: (In)visible Structures.

“At NDG, we frequently host international exhibitions, and we make a conscious effort to involve visiting artists or foreigners living in Lithuania in our educational programs. This practice, along with our long and enriching collaboration with Artscape, consistently offers fresh perspectives on Lithuanian art and its connections to the world. I personally value this deeply and believe that a broader NDG audience deserves to engage with such diverse viewpoints. Another crucial goal of our internships is to provide opportunities for migrants affected by war and conflict to continue their professional activities in culture and art. I see this as our responsibility.” — says Eglė Nedzinskaitė, Educational Programs Curator at the National Gallery of Art.

About the Program

The Artscape Mentorship Program, implemented in partnership with UNHCR, is Lithuania’s first cultural educational initiative aimed at fostering creative activity among refugee artists and creators. This year’s program aims to provide a space for participants to strengthen their creative voices while encouraging collaboration between Lithuania’s cultural sector and creators from refugee backgrounds.

The goal of the mentorship program is to create a nurturing educational space where participants can deepen their artistic authenticity and foster meaningful partnerships with Lithuanian cultural organizations and professionals.

For many years, UNHCR has been a pivotal strategic partner for Artscape, working hand in hand to implement impactful projects aimed at fostering positive change in the lives of refugees. Through a shared commitment to creative empowerment and inclusion, Artscape and UNHCR have collaborated on numerous initiatives that address issues in the refugee field. Together, we continue to create opportunities for refugees to express their creativity, build connections with local communities, and contribute meaningfully to cultural and artistic landscapes.

Program Partners: This initiative is supported by Vilnius City Municipality, the Kazickas Family Foundation, the Lithuanian Culture Council, and the Goethe-Institut Vilnius.

December 31, 2024